Table tennis net - Different types

For hobby and recreational purposes, you can of course be creative and use any type of item as a table tennis net. For example, during the first Corona-based lockdown in Germany in spring 2020, some families used their kitchen table and an old table tennis racket from the attic. Books represented the net.
As you can probably imagine, it turned out to be quite annoying always having to reassemble the table tennis net made of books. Consequently, another practic

al solution was wanted. It turned out that there was a net very suitable for such purposes. Until then, this net was not very popular, but this changed significantly: The so called Flex-net (either from Doni-Schildkröt or from Tibhar) turned into a best-seller product and was sold en masse. This net is not only flexible in terms of its length, it is also easy to assemble. Therefore, it suits almost every single table tennis table and even many kitchen tables.

Of course, classical table tennis nets are suitable for both recreational and professional table tennis tables. Since most tables have a uniform width, such nets fit this measure.

Basically, we can differentiate between an indoor and outdoor table tennis net, similar to the tables. For table tennis clubs it is important to make sure the net is ITTF-approved (ITTF = International Table Tennis Federation) when buying a net. For hobby and recreational players the approval aspect is not important, one only needs to know whether the location of activity is indoors or outdoors.

An indoor table tennis net

The name indoor table tennis net is self-explanatory. Such nets are to be used indoors and you should protect them from moisture. Of course such nets are not destroyed if you use them outdoors occasionally, e.g. on a nice and dry day. However, there is a reason behind the proposed indoor use: The material used (usually textile fabrics) is not as robust as the outdoor materials. Please also note that this is not only related to moisture and liquids (rain), but also to solar radiation, humidity, and temperatures.

Nets with an approval of the ITTF (approved for official competitions) can be recognized by a printed ITTF seal in the area of the holder. Such nets are usually available in green and blue color. The reason for this is that there are blue and green table tennis tables.

The assembly of a table tennis net can be done in two ways:

• With clamping function

The so-called clamping function is characterized by a mechanism which allows to clamp the net to the table. Of course, the areas which are in direct contact with the table are protected. Hence, there should be no scratches at the table.

An alternative name for nets with a clamping mechanism is Clip nets. It is important  to consider to fully open the clamps first prior to removing the net when disassembling it. If you pull the net away when the clamps are not fully open, scratches and/or stripes are likely over the course of time.

The major advantage of such a clamping mechanism is the uncomplicated and quick assembly and disassembly. This makes such table tennis nets very appealing for kids, for example.

• With screw function

As the name already suggests, both net posts are fixed with a screw mechanism (at the surface of the table). This mechanism is usually more popular among table tennis clubs compared to the above-mentioned clamping function. The reason for this is that one can set the individual measures with respect to the table to a better and more precise amount. Of course, there are no screws that penetrate into the table! The screws have a plane foot which is then pressed onto the table.

• Spare nets

Of course you can find spare nets in our online table tennis shop. There are some models with extended posts, but there are also spare nets without an insertion rod.

• Spare chains for a net

Every table tennis net can be tightened and anchored by means of a small chain (one chain on each side). This is very important, also when aiming to avoid unfortunate situations when the ball touches the top edge of the net (so called dribbling over). If you pull the chains to heavily, however, they can also break or tear. Since net chains are frequently used in a very "stressful" manner, it is obvious that these parts are strongly affected by wear and tear.

An outdoor table tennis net

An outdoor net is of course suitable for an outdoor table tennis table. They are stainless and exhibit different fixing mechanisms. Basically, all outdoor table tennis tables are sold with a net, which is included in the price and the scope of delivery.

As already mentioned earlier, outdoor nets also exhibit a different material compared to indoor nets. Nets from tables made of concrete sometimes also have a net made of concrete or stone-like materials. Older models sometimes also have wooden nets.

Another more popular solution are nets made of metal. These are water-repellent and very robust. We can also differentiate between:

• Nets with a clip function

Only a few outdoor table tennis nets are offered with a clipping mechanism. Most nets are sold with a screw function, see below.

• Nets with screw function

Outdoor table tennis nets with a screw function constitute the majority of nets. The advantage is that after having the net fixed, it can remain in this position for longer. Since such nets are stainless and water-repellent, this is not a problem.

Nets for tables made of stone

There are also outdoor table tennis tables with surfaces made of stone plates. If you wish a net for such a table, please write us an email (info@tt-shop.com). In such a case we would need the measures and dimensions of the plate in order to get in touch with our suppliers. Since stone plates are usually not very uniform, this needs to be clarified.

Nets for mini and midi tables

As you probably know, there are also miniature table tennis tables for fun and hobby purposes. These also include a net when ordering such a table. Since the demand for such spare nets is extremely low, we have not included them into our warehouse. Again, if you desire a net for mini or midi tables, please contact us.

• Measures and dimensions according to the ITTF

Every table tennis net which is used for official competitions and tournaments must exhibit an exact height of 15.25 cm. Usually, each coach teaches this to her/his students. The so called net measurer is a useful instrument to check the height of the net prior to a competition.

By the way: There are discussions about changing the height of a net. The reason for this is that there might then  be longer rallies. However, until now there are no changes and 15.25 cm are binding :-)